NAP 250 and NAP135 service and upgrades
********* Prices and Specifications are being updated - please call in the meantime to discuss your requirements **********
Naim Audio Power Amp service and upgrades
"I had my 135s Avondaled ... the sound is in the NAP300 arena." Source - Pink Fish Media, August 2009
Let us help you convert some pedestrian audio equipment into sonic works of art at a small fraction of the cost of buying new.
This service is for the Naim Audio NAP 135 and Naim NAP 250 power amplifiers.
We do welcome any enquiry concerning the servicing, or upgrade, of other Naim preamps, power amplifiers and power supplies, but please note that for the moment we do NOT offer any service or spare parts for the Naim NAIT integrated amplifiers.
I just hooked up the modded 135 and the unmodded one, just for a bit of A-B comparative fun. Prior to the repairs and upgrades, it sounded similar, albeit distorted, compared to its twin. Now I’m speechless! The old 135 sounds like someone draped a blanket over the speaker. The NCC200 sounds better in every possible way: more grip, resolution, control, clarity, weight, depth, sparkle, speed. To say I’m stunned would be an understatement." - Permission to quote kindly given by Mike Hanson
Naim Audio 135 and Naim 250 power amps - Service Option 1
- the standard NAP 250 or NAP 135 service
- on board capacitors replaced by premium units
- the main capacitors replaced by the premium Kendeil units
- certain resistors, known to degrade slightly over time, are also renewed
- all trips are reset to maker's standards
Final bench testing is carried out using a Hewlett Packard HP3582A spectrum analyser and an HP339A / Neutrik TP401 distortion analyser.
Naim NAP 135: £220 each amplifier
Naim NAP 250: £297 each amplifier
Full 12 month parts and labour warranty on the complete amplifier
Naim NAP 135 and Naim NAP 250 power amps - Service Option 2
The specification for Service Level 2 now includes the highly regarded NCC200 modules.
The NCC200s perform in a liquid, effortless manner whatever the musical programme is, be it rock, classical or intimately recorded solo performers.
Service Option 2 - Schedule
- The amplifiers are literally completely dismantled and every part is critically inspected - any doubt and the part is renewed.
- The voltage settings for the regulator outputs may now be uprated as the NCC200 module about to be installed is capable of running at a higher level, without any stress, than the original NAPA boards. As the NCC module is unconditionally stable, the current trips, set originally to a surprisingly low level, may now be uprated to allow the rebuilt amplifier to deliver in excess of 85 - 90 Watts into eight Ohms, a useful increase without penalty of any kind, of 15% over the original specification. Those difficult to drive loudspeakers are now taken in hand with an ease not previously possible.
- The main capacitors are replaced by Kendeil 22000uF computer grade capacitors specified to give over twenty years of reliable service.
- Signal and mains power sockets are replaced to offer the ultimate in long-term reliability.
- NCC200 modules installed.
- chargeable option to have the transformers upgraded to AST transformers (non potted version)
- A finishing touch: All circuit boards are solvent washed to remove all traces of solder flux which may, if left unattended over the years, have a negative influence on the reliability of the circuits.
Much has been written about the NCC200 amplifier modules and suffice it to say we have many testimonials from owners expressing their pleasure at how much their listening experience has been enhanced. A simple search of the internet will unearth a wealth of information about this product.
Once the work is completed, silence is now the name of the game and owners are delighted to find that the characteristic Naim background 'hiss' has all but disappeared.
These refinements add the final touch to the performance of these superb amplifiers - speed, agility, solidity - the list of plaudits goes on and on.
The Stage 2 NCC200 conversion for the NAP135 and NAP250 amplifiers has been equated, by the lucky owners who have it, as being akin to the much more expensive Naim Audio NAP 300 so we're pleased to hear that this complete revamp of the Naim flagship amplifiers give so much pleasure.
Naim NAP 135: £385 each amplifier
Naim NAP 250: £585 each amplifier
This service includes a 5 year parts and labour warranty on the entire amplifier
Service Level 3 - NAP135 and NAP250 upgrades
- Service Level 2 service PLUS:
- Particular attention is paid to the regulator assemblies which are thoroughly rebuilt using some very innovative techniques and components.
- Certain semiconductor devices within the regulator design, well known to degrade after many years of service and become noisy and overlay a misty quality to the musical performance are examined and tested. We routinely renew these devices to bring the regulator performance back to original specification for the ultimate in transparency and speed of delivery.
- During the refurbishment of the circuit boards, we make a small but musically significant modification to the circuit board. This enables us to incorporate the thermal trip device into a low current part of the regulator circuit where it has little or no impact on the transient delivery of this important section of the amplifier.
- includes a full deep clean - every square centimeter of the cases, heatsinks and fans are extensively degreased and cleaned
- The main capacitors are replaced by our CAP6 module. Comprising a rectifier bank of Schottky Diodes for the lowest possible rectification noise, inductor coupled three stage Kendeil capacitors for immense storage capability and ultra-rapid transient delivery without lag. This innovative design, introduced to the industry some ten years ago and much copied, means that transient delivery of even the most demanding parts of a musical programme are no longer are restricted by the larger, slower capacitors.
- the layout is changed for the shortest possible signal path. Installing the Cap6 module necessitates a complete rewire of the amplifier and so, to exploit the capabilities to the full, the opportunity is also taken to equip the amplifier with some high current, high resolution cables throughout the power and signal paths.
- Signal and mains power sockets are replaced to offer the ultimate in long-term reliability.
- chargeable option to have the transformers upgraded to AST transformers (non potted version)
Naim NAP 135: £TBA each amplifier - please contact us
Naim NAP 250: £TBA each amplifier - please contact us
This service includes 5 year parts and labour warranty on the entire amplifier
Please note that our specialist servicing of Naim Audio equipment is NOT endorsed by the manufacturer.
PLEASE ALSO NOTE THAT OUR SERVICE IS FOR SLEEVED VERSIONS OF THE NAIM AUDIO NAP 250 AND NOT FOR THE EARLIER BOLTED CASE TYPE - FOR WHICH WE DO NOT OFFER ANY SERVICE